Plant Grower

"The Plant Grower" is a web resource from the University of Minnesota Floriculture and Controlled Environment Agriculture physiology and Extension Program in the Department of Horticultural Science. This website provides information on indoor and outdoor horticulture crop production for commercial producers, home owners and students. We also have unique information on outdoor ornamental crop production in warmer regions, cacti and succulents, and on new research we are conducting. The Department of Horticultural Science at the University of Minnesota is a leader in horticulture crop research, teaching and extension (see above). We are fortunate to be financially supported by the USDA-ARS FNRI, HRI and some of the most progressive commercial growers in the United States; thank you!

Controlled​Environment Agriculture

Controlled environment agriculture is the future of crop production in locations with adverse climates and/or with limited water resources. Urban agriculture is expanding as consumers increasingly prefer locally produced food. We conduct research and outreach around producing ornamentals and food crops in enclosed structures such as greenhouses in the north, and in warehouses, homes and commercial buildings where the environment can be controlled.

Outdoor ​Ornamental Production

The majority of U.S. ornamental crop production is outdoors. Our program is one of the few with expertise in outdoor annual bedding, herbaceous perennial and nursery crop production. We partner with growers in CA, FL, TX, OH, GA, NJ and CO to conduct research to meet the needs of outdoor containerized ornamental crop producers. This work includes research and development to produce and introduce new crops, ways to ameliorate stress, and reducing disease susceptibility.

Researchand Teaching

Our research focuses on the environmental physiology of flowering and photosynthesis and roots, reducing inputs in crop production, organic production strategies, increasing nutritive value of food, and developing new heat/drought tolerant crops. We teach courses aimed at preparing students for a rapidly changing international horticulture industry including emerging crops, urban horticulture, and controlled environment agriculture.